Education authorities in the Central East Education Division have described the newly installed solar-powered water system at Kasungu Secondary School as a timely and lasting solution to the water challenges the institution has faced over the years.
The water system, which comprises a main 10,000-litre tank and an additional 5,000-litre tank distributing water through seven taps within the institution, has been installed by The Sonder Project.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the division’s Education Manager, Dickens Mbewa, said access to potable and clean water remains one of the major challenges affecting the delivery of quality education in many schools in the division.
Mbewa therefore, not only commended the organization for the support but also called for more such initiatives in other schools facing similar challenges.
“I am challenging students here to desist from vandalizing school property because these facilities are for their own good. There is also a need for the school management and surrounding communities to work together and guard the facility,” said Mbewa.
On his part, the School Board Chairperson, Dr. George Chaima, said the intermittent water supply at the school has for a long time been adversely affecting learners’ performance, as they used to waste class time searching for water in nearby villages.
“Water is life, and it is a human right to have access to potable and clean water—a right that was not being enjoyed here. When we knocked on the door, The Sonder Project opened it for us and supported us with the water system we are witnessing today. When an institution lacks water, it becomes a serious problem that negatively affects students’ academic performance and compromises sanitation.
“Learners had to walk long distances to fetch water and sometimes scramble for it with surrounding communities. That is why we call this a practical solution. We know it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the facility. The school’s management, students, and neighbouring communities will ensure the system is protected for its sustainability,” said Chaima.
Meanwhile, The Sonder Project Country Director, Beria Mwaulambo, said the initiative is part of their Water Is Our Right program, which focuses on expanding access to clean and safe water.
“ Since 2020, we have drilled 29 boreholes across various communities and installed three solar-powered water supply systems at Kasungu and Chayamba Secondary Schools, and at Kawiya CDSS, benefiting more than 10,500 people. Furthermore, 168 water filters have been distributed to remote communities that cannot easily access boreholes, and two boreholes have been rehabilitated in the district,” she said.
The Sonder Project is also implementing the Education Is Power program, which supports both secondary school students and graduates accepted into public universities. Each year, more than 130 secondary school students benefit from the initiative, with six university students currently receiving support.
By Topson Banda
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